Waterfalls Of The Vale of Neath Photography Workshop
Learn the techniques of photographing waterfalls
Capture Long exposures with water
There is nowhere in Wales with as many spectacular waterfalls in such a small area as this part of South Wales known as ‘Waterfall Country’ where our photography workshop is held. Here, the rivers Mellte, Hepste and Neddfechan have worn away the soft rocks to create steep wooded gorges full of caves and waterfalls. These beautiful secluded woodlands on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, contain a series of picturesque tumbling streams and falls. Each with their own unique character, these falls are some of the loveliest I have ever encountered, offering potential for some wonderful photography.
You will learn…
- Appropriate camera settings
- Working with light
- Composition techniques
- Depth of field & focusing
- Exposure & the histogram
- Use of filters
- Long exposures with water
Ability level
- Suitable for all except the complete beginner
Fitness level
- Moderate/good
Tutor
- Sarah Howard
Workshop Details
Group Size
Max 6
Dates
14th October 2024
15th October 2024 (fully booked)
Duration
One day. 9:00 - 5:00 approx
Price
£165
Deposit 30%
Meeting Place
Pontneathvaughan Road, Pontneddfechan, SA11 5NR, South Wales
Main Photographic Locations
Sgwd Gwladus (Lady Falls, Sgwd-y-Bedol (Horseshoe Falls), Sgwd Ddwli Isaf and Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf (the Lower and Upper Gushing Falls), Melincourt Falls
Included
A full day of photographic tuition and demonstrations.
Excluded
Lunch, transport to and from South Wales, personal insurance, equipment insurance
Accommodation
Not included. Contact Sarah if you would like accommodation arranged for you.
Waiting List
To be informed of new dates or cancellations please click the icon to fill out the waiting list form.
Insurance
We recommend Staycation Plan for travel and equipment insurance. Click icon for more info.
Vale of Neath Waterfalls – 14th October 2024
Learn the art of photographing waterfalls
explore the falls of the vale of neath
I cannot call to mind a single valley that in the same extent of country comprises so much beautiful and picturesque scenery and so many interesting and special features as the Vale of Neath
. That’s what the famous 19th Century naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace wrote when he first experienced the Vale of Neath. He summed it up pretty well. The ‘special features’ he refers to being the series of beautiful and dramatic waterfalls blessing this valley.
Picturesque Locations on the Elidir trail
Together we will follow the Elidir Trail along the River Nedd Fechan, taking in the falls enroute. Sgwd Gwladus (Lady Falls), with its delicate cascade is one of the most beautiful. We will also visit Sgwd-y-Bedol (the Horseshoe Falls), shaped in several levels of semi-circular ledges. A little further upstream the water cascades over Sgwd Ddwli Isaf and Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf (the Lower and Upper Gushing Falls) which after heavy rain, truly live up to their name.
Master the capture of water
We finish our workshop with nearby Melincourt Falls. Truly a sight to behold; Melincourt is a spectacular 80 feet (24 m) high waterfall which is known to have inspired Turner to paint it in 1794.
This is an ideal workshop if you are looking to master the capture of water.
View my guide on how to photograph waterfalls HERE
Upcoming Waterfalls Photography workshops
Vale of Neath Waterfalls – 14th October 2024
Waterfalls Photography Workshop - General Information
This workshop is aimed at anyone who wants to improve their photography so photographers of all levels of experience are welcome aside of the complete beginner.
You will be given both practical and technical advice, as well as individual guidance and hands on demonstrations in the field.
We will also look at the creative side of photography and developing your vision.
There will be a maximum of 6 photographers.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The following subjects will be covered:
- Depth of field
- Focusing
- Choice of lens
- Exposure and use of the histogram
- ISO/Aperture/Shutter speeds
- Working with and understanding light
- Composition
- Use of filters
Over the course of the day we will visit a number of varied locations which will offer you numerous challenges and allow you to fully explore your creative potential. There will be opportunities to work on your exposure technique to record movement and also learn how filters can aid in creating the desired effect. You will also have the opportunity to capture wave movement and explore various compositions.
The workshop has a relaxed format and is designed to be enjoyable as well as educational, so aside of improving your photography you can also enjoy the beautiful surroundings and most importantly have fun!
Our meeting point at 9am for the workshop briefing before commencing is opposite the Angel pub, Pontneathvaughan Road, Pontneddfechan, Nr Glynneath, SA11 5UD – there is ample roadside parking to be found here but please do not park in the pub car park else you may be clamped!
We recommend that you have a reasonably good level of fitness to join this workshop. Some of the ground will be uneven, it may be slippery and there will be a small amount of uphill walking at the waterfalls.
- SLR camera with ideally both wide angle and telephoto lenses tripod
- neutral density graduated filters
- polariser
- neutral density filter
- cable release
- A laptop and card reader is useful but not essential.
Please ensure that you insure your photographic equipment. It is also recommended that like with any trip, you take out personal insurance in case you need to cancel. You may wish to consider Staycation Plan
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